CHED 926 |
| In this poster, we present a study utilizing force spectroscopy to determine the effects of four divalent cations (Mg2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, and Ca2+) on a DNA duplex. We have measured the hybridization efficiency as a function of varying concentrations of the divalent cations. We observe a slight increase in hybridization efficiency at cationic concentrations near physiological levels, and a significant decrease at higher concentrations. A variation in the rate of decrease in the hybridization efficiency was detected amongst the different cations, thereby indicating a difference in binding which is attributed to slightly different modes of interaction as well as varying affinities of these divalent cations to DNA. In addition to examining the hybridization efficiencies, DNA rupture forces were also investigated, and it was confirmed that these cations do not affect the rupture force. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Biochemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |